Hearing is one of the most valuable senses we rely on every day. Losing it due to someone else’s negligence is traumatic, both physically and emotionally. You deserve more than sympathy if you’re in Chicago and have experienced hearing loss. You must receive justice!
As the top personal injury attorneys, we have seen firsthand how hearing loss changes lives. But you don’t have to face this alone. Our job is to help you navigate the legal system so you can work on recovery!
How Our Chicago Hearing Loss Injury Lawyer Can Be Helpful
Filing a hearing loss injury claim through workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit can be complicated. That’s where our experienced hearing loss attorneys come to the rescue.
A Chicago injury lawyer can be helpful to you in the following ways:
- Investigate Your Claim
Our work injury lawyers will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your injury. They will determine the cause of your hearing loss and whether someone else is liable for your damages.
- Gather Evidence
Hearing loss injury cases often require expert testimony from medical professionals, audiologists, and other specialists. Our skilled attorney will gather the necessary evidence to strengthen your case.
- Negotiate on Your Behalf
Whether dealing with insurance companies or negotiating a settlement, our lawyer will handle all communication and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
- File and Manage Paperwork
Devastating injury claims, workers’ compensation, and Social Security disability applications involve much paperwork. Our injury-at-work lawyers will ensure everything is filed correctly and on time.
- Represent You in Court
If necessary, our attorney will take your case to trial. They will present your case effectively in front of a judge and audience.
Hearing Loss Injuries: Common Causes
Hearing loss is more common than many think. In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracked 14,500 work-related hearing loss illness cases.
Hearing loss can result from various injuries, including accidents, workplace exposure to harmful noise, or medical malpractice. Here are some common causes:
Workplace Accidents and Occupational Hearing Loss
In Chicago, many industries, such as factories, construction sites, and manufacturing plants, expose workers to loud noise. Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss at work, known as occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Car Accidents and Trauma
Car accidents can cause trauma to the head or ears, leading to hearing loss. Often, this hearing loss is linked to head or neck injuries, such as concussions or skull fractures, which can affect the auditory system.
Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip-and-fall accident can result in head injuries that damage the ears or auditory nerves, causing hearing problems. Even after the physical injuries heal, hearing issues may persist.
Exposure to Loud Noises
Exposure to loud noises from various sources like military service, concerts, or power tools can cause permanent hearing damage. This is especially common in industries like construction, manufacturing, and entertainment.
Medical Malpractice
In rare cases, medical malpractice can lead to hearing loss. This could include errors in the use of medications, complications from surgery, or failure to diagnose ear-related conditions properly.
Defective Products
Faulty earplugs or hearing protection devices can fail to do their job. In that case, you can experience hearing loss as well.
What Should You Do After Noticing Hearing Loss
We recommend the following steps to take immediately:
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor or audiologist for a professional diagnosis.
- Document Symptoms: Record when and how the hearing loss occurred and any related symptoms.
- Notify Your Employer (if workplace-related): Report the issue to your supervisor and ensure it’s documented.
- Preserve Evidence: Save defective products, work equipment, or anything that may have caused the hearing loss.
- Consult a Lawyer: Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and next steps.
Legal Protections for Hearing Loss Victims in Chicago
If you’ve suffered hearing loss due to an injury, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Illinois law provides a few pathways for victims of hearing loss to receive compensation:
Workers’ Compensation Law
If your hearing loss is caused by an accident at work or prolonged exposure to loud noises on the job, Illinois workers’ compensation laws can help you secure compensation. The system is no-fault, meaning you don’t need to prove someone else’s negligence. Instead, you must show that your hearing loss is work-related.
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/) provides benefits for medical treatment, temporary or permanent disability, and rehabilitation. If your hearing loss severely affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits.
Statute of Limitations:
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim is 3 years from the date of the injury or from the last date you received benefits for the injury.
Personal Injury Claims
If your hearing loss is caused by someone else’s negligence (such as in a car accident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice), you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Illinois law allows victims of negligence to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity (if hearing loss affects your ability to work)
- Emotional distress (as hearing loss can lead to mental health issues)
To win a personal injury case, your attorney must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident, leading to your hearing loss.
Statute of Limitations:
For personal injury claims in Illinois, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the accident or injury.
Hearing Disability Benefits Under Social Security (SSI/SSDI)
In some cases, hearing loss may be severe enough to qualify for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. These programs provide monthly payments to those who cannot work due to disability.
To qualify, your hearing loss must meet the SSA’s disability guidelines, which involve proving the severity of the impairment and its impact on your ability to perform work-related tasks.
Product Liability Laws
In addition to the above, manufacturers of defective earplugs, hearing protection devices, or machinery that causes hearing damage can be liable under Illinois Product Liability Laws (735 ILCS 5/2-621).
If a defective product contributed to your hearing loss, you can file a claim against the manufacturer for damages.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of hearing loss can seek several forms of compensation in Chicago, including
- Medical Costs: Audiology exams, hearing aids, surgeries, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Income: For time missed from work or reduced earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional toll of losing your hearing.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or willful misconduct.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Hearing Loss Injury Lawyer in Chicago?
Hearing loss caused by negligence—whether due to unsafe workplace noise levels, defective products, medical errors, or trauma—can have lasting effects on your daily life and employment. Fortunately, hiring a qualified hearing loss injury lawyer in Chicago typically involves no upfront fees. Most attorneys handle these claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if your lawyer wins compensation for you. Legal fees generally range from 30% to 40% of the recovery amount, and your initial consultation is always free.
Hearing Loss Injury Lawyer Cost Calculator
Total Estimate: $0
* This is an estimate only. Actual costs may vary by region, lawyer, and service requirements.
Reclaim Your Sound Future!
Losing your hearing doesn’t have to mean losing your quality of life or your sense of justice. We will stand by your side to protect your rights, and you will receive the deserved compensation.
Don’t let negligence rob you of life’s precious moments, like the laughter of your loved ones or the music that stirs your soul. Let us work together to reclaim your sound future!
Call Chicago Injury Lawyer today or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a hearing loss injury under Illinois law?
Hearing loss caused by workplace noise exposure, accidents, defective products, or medical malpractice can qualify as an injury.
Can hearing loss qualify me for Social Security Disability benefits?
Yes, if your hearing loss is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
What if my employer didn’t provide hearing protection on the job?
If your employer failed to provide proper hearing protection, you may have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim or even a lawsuit if there was gross negligence.
